In the article we will tell who the expression "A cat knows whose meat has eaten" indicates. Its meaning will also be examined by us.
Who are they talking about?
This is one of many Russian speech turns that have been known to all of us since childhood. It is found in the book of Vladimir Dahl, dedicated to Russian proverbs and sayings, which was published in the middle of the 19th century.
The meaning of the proverb “A cat knows whose meat has eaten” indicates a person whose appearance makes it clear that he was guilty, but does not want to admit his guilt, fearing that he will be punished.
Meanwhile, voluntarily or involuntarily by his behavior, this person gives himself out. The delinquent does not behave as always: he blushes or, on the contrary, becomes pale, fusses, frowns, does not look into the eyes, makes many unnecessary movements, etc.
Phraseologism is most often used with ironic overtones or with disapproval.
Why a cat?
In this expression, a person (or a group of persons), about whom (whom) they say so, is likened to a cat. But why?
The image of a
cat (cat) in fairy tales of different nations is largely similar. In addition, this animal is a long time ago next to a person, and his habits are well known. The cat is very cunning. This sneak has time everywhere, she is always aware of what is happening in the house, and always is not averse to a bite. Pulling a tidbit from the table until no one sees it is a common thing for her. While the owners are thinking about where to eat, the cat will pace the house, as if nothing had happened. Or hide in a dark corner and pretend to be sleeping. She knows how.
In addition, the cat never loses its individuality, remaining special and unique. She never shows such devotion to the owner as a dog. She comes into contact with a person solely at will. At the same time, she is artistic, which, of course, brings people closer to her even more figuratively.
Examples of using proverbs in the literature
Please note that when using this expression, like any stable turnover in the Russian language, you should not rearrange the words in it. But sometimes words can be replaced with synonyms. For example: "A cat (cat) knows (feels, understood) whose meat (fat) has eaten (stolen, dragged away)".
The expression with the meaning "The cat knows whose meat has eaten" is actively used by writers to create literary works.
“I looked and saw Agafya. Raising the hem, disheveled, with a slipping handkerchief, she wandered across the river. Her legs were walking barely ... - I understood the cat whose meat was eaten! - muttered Savka, squinting her eyes at her” (A. Chekhov, "Agafia").
“- Would you like a good thing, no?” I sensed a cat, whose fat I ate — and run amok, open my arms, and do my best in every possible way. It, of course, is not a cover ... ”(D. Sergeev, Vetrogon).
- She - recognized the cat whose meat was eaten - as she saw me, she went into paleness. "Brother, my killer, he says, I am guilty before you ..." (A. Pisemsky, Fanfaron) .
“Ah, you ... Koshak! It’s hit! You know whose meat you ate. What are you hiding your eyes? Come on, pick it up here and give it a bit of cleanliness” (A. Kutsenko, “Wooden Farmhouse”).
Synonyms
The meaning of the proverb “A cat knows whose meat has eaten” is conveyed in Russian using other expressions:
- "God marked the Wanderers";
- "The cap is on the thief";
- "How much the rope does not reach ...";
- "Not captured - not a thief";
- "Be a chick on a leash."
Proverbs with a similar meaning are found in other peoples, which means they go back to the most ancient figurative expressions.
So, what is the meaning of the proverb “A cat knows whose meat has eaten” and who they say so, we figured out.